CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The deadline for students in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System who might be interested in applying to any of the district’s schools of choice or career-technical programs is quickly approaching.

And with the district-wide rezoning for the opening of Kirkwood Middle School right around the corner, the schools of choice offer elementary and high school students the ability to attend schools out of their zone.

Here’s a rundown of the programs of choice, and more information about each.

Elementary school

For elementary-aged children, there are two in-person programs of choice available at CMCSS schools.

Moore Magnet Elementary STEM School: STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering and math, is embedded in kindergarten through 5th grade at Moore. Students apply the knowledge they gain across the curriculum to solve challenges aligned with real-world problems tied to local issues.

Moore Magnet was one of the first schools in the state to receive the Tennessee STEM School Designation. Additionally, Moore was the first Montgomery County Green-Certified School.

  • Eligibility: CMCSS incoming kindergartener through 5th grader. Students who are zoned for Moore or already enrolled do not need to fill out the application.
  • Application date: Feb. 11
  • Transportation: Transportation is not provided unless the student is zoned for Moore Magnet.
  • For more information: cmcss.net/stem-at-moore-magnet-elementary/

Spanish Immersion Program at Barksdale: The program uses a method of educating children by immersing them in the Spanish language so they become bilingual. The classroom environment becomes the setting for language acquisition through subject content instruction, educational discourse and social interactions.

Students who enter the program need to be committed to continuing Spanish dual-language learning through 5th grade at Barksdale.

  • Eligibility: Incoming kindergartner; early literacy benchmark screening required.
  • Application date: Feb. 11
  • Transportation: Transportation is not provided unless the student is zoned for Barksdale.
  • For more information: cmcss.net/immersion/

High school

For CMCSS high school students, there’s a wide variety of programs available, with some allowing students to attain professional certificates and college credits at no cost.

Students who achieve certifications can enter the workforce immediately after graduation, or build on the college credits they’ve already received.

CMCSS Academies: The college and career academies are schools within a school, and aligned to a specific career theme. There are 32 programs, and each high school has six to 10 programs of study. The academies are college and career preparatory small learning communities in which students focus their core class experience around a common interest.

Students share many of the same teachers, allowing educators to collaborate in lesson planning and classroom activities.

Incoming high school freshmen can apply to eight academies. Rising sophomores should talk with their school counselor.

  • Eligibility: CMCSS incoming 9th grader
  • Application date: Feb. 11
  • Parent Informational Meeting: Feb. 7, hosted virtually with link forthcoming
  • Transportation: Parents or guardians assume the responsibility for transportation if a student attends out of their zone. However, there are partner buses that run between certain schools.
  • For more information: cmcss.net/academies/

Middle College at Austin Peay: This is a collaborative program between CMCSS and Austin Peay State University that enables junior and senior students to complete a high school education while accessing free college courses at the same time, while on a college campus.

Through grants and scholarships, Middle College students are not required to pay tuition, nor do they incur the expense of college textbooks.

  • Eligibility: CMCSS incoming 11th grader; 2.85 GPA or higher; maturity for a college environment; good attendance and behavior; and on track to graduate.
  • Application date: Rolling admissions process
  • Transportation: School system transportation is not provided.
  • For more information: cmcss.net/mc-at-apsu/

Early Technical College at TCAT: This allows students a no-cost opportunity to work towards an industry certification while completing courses for high school graduation.

Students can choose from four pathways – diesel powered equipment technology, HVAC, industrial electrical maintenance/mechatronics or pharmacy technology – earning up to two certifications. Students who qualify can use funding from TNPromise to complete TCAT diplomas.

  • Eligibility: CMCSS incoming 11th grader; 2.2 GPA for IEMM, HVAC, Diesel Powered Equipment, Pharmacy Technology, 2.5 GPA for Pre-Practical Nursing; maturity for a college environment; good attendance and behavior; and on track to graduate.
  • Application date: Rolling admission process
  • Transportation: If needed, transportation can be provided by CMCSS.
  • For more information: cmcss.net/instruction/cte/tcat/

Virtual school

CMCSS K-12 Virtual: An at-home educational experience that provides families the opportunity for both structure and flexibility in learning.

Students will be immersed in direct instruction from CMCSS-certified teachers and also provided the opportunity for independent application of skills.

  • Eligibility: CMCSS incoming kindergartener through 12th grader who is self-motivated, organized, and, with the help of teachers and learning mentors, can take responsibility for their own learning.
  • Application date: Feb. 11
  • For more information: k12virtual.cmcss.net/